A warm evening breeze swept through the Harem courtyard, and the narrow paths laid with wooden planks basked in the lingering warmth of the sunset.
Kohaku hurried into the secluded shade of a tree, holding the little Mechanical Mouse securely in her palm.
Her fingertips gently released the latch on its back. A hidden compartment sprang open, revealing a piece of cloth lying inside.
The writing on the paper was scrawled in Senku's unmistakable style. Kohaku skimmed it and recognized the word "platinum."
Why didn't she read the rest, you ask?
She would have to know how to read first!
I'm the one who slipped through the cracks of nine years of compulsory education!
What were you getting so excited about, anyway?!
To confirm the full message, she immediately turned and hurried toward Li Xiang.
At that moment, Li Xiang was still working.
That familiar, languid figure remained at her side.
Shrike leaned against an old tree nearby, his tall frame relaxed, his eyes fixed on Li Xiang without ever straying.
After spending so long undercover in the Harem, Li Xiang felt as though she had exhausted a lifetime's worth of patience on Shrike.
Was this guy so bored he had nothing better to do? He came looking for me every single day without fail. Didn't he have work? Patrols?
Why did he keep following me? (sobbing.jpg)
"This heavy work is too much for you. You're not very strong, so don't wear yourself out."
Thanks for caring, buddy.
Shrike lowered his gaze to her busy figure, his tone unconsciously indulgent as he reached out and took most of the things from her hands.
"From now on, you can leave all the work to me."
Li Xiang wore a mild, suitably deferential smile, her voice gentle and polite.
"Thank you for